Hagen im Bremischen (Germany) | Millennials appreciate education and training. But they learn differently than previous generations of employees. Looking at this generation is crucial, as the baby boomers are increasingly retiring, and Millennials should soon make up the largest share of the workforce. What challenges do human resource developers have to face in relation to the millennial generation?
– Communication:
Millennials communicate differently. They usually prefer text messages and e-mails to phone calls. Smartphones are usually in permanent use – up to 40 times a day the young generation of employees takes a look at them. Reason enough to check whether the use of mobile learning makes sense at one or the other place in the company.
– Work organisation:
Flexibility in terms of time and place has been popular with young workers, and not just since the corona pandemic. It is important to do justice to this as far as possible and thus also save space for office workplaces in the company building. Depending on the industry and the specific business activity, this can of course be given in varying degrees.
– Commitment & enthusiasm:
Even more than in the past, the Greta Thunberg generation is now more interested in the meaningfulness of work. This does not always have to concern environmental issues but can affect quite different aspects. Wherever possible, it is important to show a connection to meaningful aspects of doing and existing in learning measures of personnel development. It is therefore always a matter of showing the relevance and location of work activities in the greatest possible context.
– Feedback:
Especially young employees need feedback like plants need regular watering. In connection with this, teamwork has also gained in importance. This must be constantly monitored and encouraged!
What else is needed to satisfy the young generation of employees? – Naturally, high quality learning programmes. But that would also take us to the Holy Grail of in-company training, how they can actually be implemented. One thing is very clear: without financial investment in the future of the new workers, this will not be possible.
Image: © Vasyl – stock.adobe.com
